Bigger, better, and ever so slightly more detailed

Bigger, better, and ever so slightly more detailed... no, not Wayne Rooney’s ever expanding afro, but Konami’s latest instalment of pure football entertainment, PES 2012.

There are generally three annual events that I look forward to over the course of the year, and while seeing my sister’s kids is one, and seeing them leave is another, the Pro Evo release just about tops the bill.

The latest instalment is definitely the best version yet. Game play is smooth and precise. Visually, Konami haven’t missed a strand of hair and the players’ movement is near enough bang on! The game’s true arcade-esque feel remains solid, building on the foundations laid by the company’s previous efforts, while the precise sound effects seem to replicate everything from a Wembley roar to a Drogba style hissy-fit.

On my first delve into an ‘exhibition’ match, Inter Milan v Scunthorpe United, I was tonked 6-goals-to-zip.The true WOW! moment came when Scunny full-back Cliff Byrne slid in on Sneijder, only for the Dutchman to skip round my heavy-legged calamity and curl in an effortless shot - with his left foot - past my slow to react ‘keeper. Funnily enough, I lost my second game in a confidence sapping 7-1 deficit... playing as Inter against Scunthorpe! I must admit, there were a few explicit words chosen to inadvertently describe my frustration.

However, sure enough, picking up the control pad has never been quite so effortless after a hard slog in the office. PES 2012 is without doubt Konami’s best version yet, and you know it’s good when you’ve even convinced the Mrs to put down the duster and strop on her boots... #honestlydidntgetbeat.

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